AmaZulu

AmaZulu could soon announce a new coach to replace Brandon Truter. Photo: AmaZulu website

AmaZulu wield the axe: 15 players released, Xoki to Pirates!

AmaZulu have confirmed the departure of 15 players, including Tapelo Xoki to Pirates, and two assistant coaches.

AmaZulu

AmaZulu could soon announce a new coach to replace Brandon Truter. Photo: AmaZulu website

AmaZulu announced a clear-out on Thursday, with Neil Boshoff, Tapelo Xoki, Xola Mlambo, Luvuyo Memela, Tsepo Masilela, Kgotso Moleko, Henrick Ekstein, Abraham Majok, Thabo Qalinge, Siphelele Mthembu, Andre de Jong, Augustine Mulenga and Siyethemba Sithebe all headed for the exit door.

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“Tapelo Xoki has been acquired by Orlando Pirates while Sithebe has opted to not extend his contract with AmaZulu,” club president Sandile Zungu said in a statement.

“As for the others, the club has decided to not renew their contracts in view of our endeavours to rebuild for success in the forthcoming 2022/2023 season.

“We will announce the names of at least eight players who will be joining Usuthu in the coming days.

“The club can also confirm the departure of assistant coach Vasili Manousakis and goalkeeper coach Moeneeb Josephs. We would like to thank all the players and the aforementioned members of the technical team for their service and wish them the best in their future endeavours.”

It now remains to be seen whether Gabadinho Mhango is one of the players who will be joining AmaZulu, with the striker expected to move from Pirates to AmaZulu as Thapelo Xoki heads in the other direction.

Mhango has been linked with both Pirates and Chiefs, but the expectation is that he will instead be heading to AmaZulu.

“We have 30 players not including MDC, we will release 13 and some of them are running out of contract, we won’t renew, we will sign eight players and have already spoken with some,” Zungu recently told Ukhozi FM.

“Dr Irvin Khoza did contact me personally about Thapelo Xoki and we’ve spoken. I respect him for the way he handled it, so Xoki will leave us, he played his last game yesterday and Gabadinho Mhango is joining us.” 

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